What is Working at Height?

Working at height is the act of performing a task or a job that involves working on a surface where falling from an edge, opening, or a hole could cause injury. Working at height is one of the biggest causes of work-related injury and fatality that could be prevented with the proper precautions.

The Importance of Risk Assessments and Safety Inspections for Working at Heights

Performing risk assessments and safety inspections can help reduce risks associated with working at heights. There are regulations that require employers and self-employed contractors to conduct an assessment of risks involved with working at heights and prepare a plan to be implemented in order to prevent injuries and fatalities.

In this article, we discussed (1) strategic planning when working at heights that you can use for conducting risk assessments; (2) safety tips for working at height; (3) technology to identify working at height risks; and (4) a compilation of 7 best practice working at height templates that employers and contractors can use to improve safety when working at heights.

Strategic Planning When Working At Heights

Working At Heights Decision Making

The flow diagram above can be used when conducting a risk assessment for working at height to determine the appropriate safety measures to use when working at heights. It also provides recommendations on the type of fall protection equipment and systems to use if fall hazards are uncontrollable.

It is best to avoid working at heights unless necessary. Encourage your workers to use extended or long handled tools for hard to reach locations. If the work requires working at heights, first determine if falls and accidents are preventable. If so, proper equipment (i.e. Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, scaffolds, ladders, PPE) should be used and inspected at all times. If falls and accidents are not preventable or at risk of occurring then safety harnesses and fall protection landing gear should be installed.

General Safety Tips for Working at Height

Avoid working at heights when possible

Use an existing safe place of work

Minimize fall distance and consequences by using the right type of equipment

Select quality PPE which is regularly inspected

Always use the rails and fall protection barriers

Be mindful of the fall distance. Never overload and overreach

Determine the best anchor point to support you

Select the correct gear when working at heights (scaffold, lift, ladder)

Consider emergency and rescue procedures

Train your team to be safety conscious

Technology to Identify Working at Height Risks

Proactively catch working at height risks by conducting risk assessments using iAuditor, a powerful mobile inspection app. iAuditor allows you to take photos of risks to better describe what you’ve found and come up with action plans to mitigate them. Receive notifications on assigned corrective actions to ensure that they are being worked on. Save all findings in cloud storage for easy reference.

Top Working at Height Templates

Working at Heights Procedure Template

This working at heights procedure template can be used to improve safety when working at heights. Begin by recording the nature of work, identify activities associated with working at heights, and record the team working onsite. Next, determine potential risks like falling, slipping, or tripping. Then, proceed with evaluating controls like training, planning, and proper use of fall protection systems and equipment. Lastly, provide recommendations to improve working at height safety.

Working At Height Risk Assessment Template

This working at height risk assessment template can be used to identify risk activities associated with working at height. This template includes a risk matrix to help identify the likelihood of the severity of risks identified onsite. Take photos of hazards and document all observations. Use the hierarchy of controls reference to identify the type of controls used to mitigate the working at height risks. Browse other risk assessment templates here.

Working At Height Toolbox Talk

This toolbox talk meeting record is ideally used before commencing working at height. Encourage your team to identify and share hazards associated with work for the day as well as following up on previously unresolved hazards. Record what was discussed during the working at heights toolbox talk and have all participating members sign off on the iAuditor app.

Working At Height - Ladder Inspection Checklist

Using ladders can be fatal if not correctly inspected and used. This template to assess the risk of ladders and help minimise incidents involving ladders. Start by recording the ladder profile, labels and parts. Then capture photo evidence of damages, dents and other deformities. Lastly, rate the overall condition of the ladder and provide recommendations. Click here for more ladder safety template resources.

Working At Height - Scaffolding Safety Inspection

Use this template to ensure a stable foundation of a scaffold before working on it. Assess the risk of using a scaffold by checking the structure of the scaffold, its base, height, and dimensions. Next, inspect the components and capture photo defects. Finally, rate the overall condition of the scaffold and ensure the correct tagging is in place.

Safety Harness Working At Height Template

Use this template to ensure fall protection by using a safety harness when working at heights. Start by checking the labels to determine the type, model and date of manufacturer of the harness. Next, capture photos of the harness and its components (snap hooks, lanyard and tie-off adaptors/anchorages) and determine if it is in good quality before use. Complete the inspection by providing recommendations and comments.

Working At Height Safety PPE Checklist

Wearing the proper equipment reduces the possibility of falling, slipping, and tripping when working at heights. Use this working at height safety PPE checklist to describe the hazard, select suitable PPE, then check the quality of PPE and take photo for further evidence of observation. Lastly, summarize the inspection by providing recommendations.